My father, Harry Brown, helped to motivate me to fall in love with aviation. He is also a retired Naval Aviator who flew on the EA-6B. When Southwest Airlines reached out to see if I would be interested in covering a story about celebrating Armed Forces Day with a group of wounded warriors, I knew my dad would be a perfect fit. Here is his story in his own words:
In celebration of Armed Forces Day, The Palazzo/Venetian Las Vegas and Southwest Airlines joined with the Armed Forces Foundation and Omaha Steaks to salute our nation’s wounded veterans with a weekend of world-class entertainment, dining and relaxation in Las Vegas May from 16th to 19th.
I was flown to San Antonio (SAT) by Southwest Airlines to join the group of wounded warriors from the San Antonio Military Medical Facility, formally Brooke Army Medical Center, and their guests on a regularly scheduled Southwest Airlines flight to Las Vegas. The Captain of this flight worked his schedule for several days so that he was available to Captain and pilot this special occasion flight of warriors to Las Vegas.
Wednesday morning our Southwest flight departed San Antonio loaded with a very excited group of warriors anticipating their adventure that lay ahead. Prior to boarding the plane I had an opportunity to talk to several of the warriors and here are some of their comments:
– ’œIt is good to feel appreciated.’
– ’œExcited to be in Vegas for the first time. I have felt my service to my country has been appreciated.’
– ’œAwesome. Very excited to be able to go to Vegas.’
– ’œMy buddy that I got blown up with and I are going to get to visit his home town.’
The group of Wounded Warriors received a water cannon salute when arriving at Las Vegas. Photo from Southwest Airlines.
Arriving at the McCarran International Airport (LAS) our plane was greeted with a water canon salute on the taxi into the terminal. This marked the official greeting of the wounded warriors to Las Vegas and certainly added to the festive atmosphere of the trip.
The troops departed the plane, and were greeted at the arrival gate area with hundreds of airport employees and waiting passengers from throughout the airport. The cheering support receiving line stretched from the gate area all the way to the bus loading area. No need to go to baggage claim as our bags were being retrieved and loaded on the buses for us. The bus caravan through Las Vegas to the Palazzo was quite impressive and fast as we had an eight motorcycle police escort.
Of note, the only time police escorts are provided to regulate traffic is for the Wounded Warriors or President of the United States visits.
The Venetian went patriotic to welcome the group to the hotel. Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
The Palazzo/The Venetian lined the red carpet with what seemed like thousands of people, in preparation for their arrival with flags and signs expressing utmost respect for these men and women. Even gamblers who probably never went to bed dropped everything to show their respect. I don’t think there are words that can adequately explain what an amazing sight this was. The event was very emotional and heart wrenching, it brought a lump to your throat.
The grand welcome reception was held in the resort’s Waterfall & Atrium Gardens. The reception area was beautifully decorated in patriotic decoration schemes in celebration of their arrival. The welcome ceremony commenced with the Nellis Air Force Base Honor Guard presenting the colors, followed by the Pledge of Allegiance, and the National Anthem.
The wounded warriors were greeted by a warm welcome when arriving to the hotel. Photo by Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
The MC then proceeded to introduce, in order of appearance: Linda Rutherford – Southwest Airlines representative, Bruce Simon – CEO of Omaha Steaks, Patricia Driscoll – Executive Director of the Armed Forces Foundation, and Dr. and Mrs. Sheldon Adelson CEO of Las Vegas Sands Corp (who own both hotels). Each in turn gave praise for the sacrifices all our military men and women have given for our country so that we can enjoy the liberties and freedoms we Americans enjoy today.
This is the seventh year The Sands Corp has done an event like this. Dr Adelson had visited a military medical facility seven years ago. He felt so touch/moved he sent his personal 727 to the east coast to load wounded warriors and fly them out for an all expense paid vacation to Vegas. Southwest and other companies heard about the trip and wanted to get involved and that is how we got to the event it is today.
Chairman and CEO of Las Vegas Sands, Sheldon Adelson, speaks to the wounded warriors. Photo by Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
Linda Rutherford, Southwest Airlines (VP of communication and strategic outreach): “We are excited to be part of this weekend that gives back to those that have given so much for our freedom and our country. We’re proud of our relationship with the Armed Forces Foundation, which supports our commitment to military service members and their families.”
Bruce Simon (Omaha Steaks CEO): “As a family-owned company with a history spanning nearly 100 years, we are humbled and grateful for the efforts of our military troops and their families, who have generously sacrificed and bravely served to protect this great nation we proudly call ‘home,'” “We are honored to be involved in this year’s ‘Salute Our Troops’ event with The Palazzo Las Vegas and Southwest Airlines to recognize these brave soldiers and their families with thanks and gratitude and to support the outstanding efforts of the Armed Forces Foundation.”
There was no shortage of red, white and blue inside the hotel. Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
Patricia Driscoll (President and Executive Director of the Armed Forces Foundation): “The sacrifices our service members and their families make for our country cannot be overstated.” They rise to the occasion each and every day, so when corporations like The Palazzo Las Vegas, Southwest Airlines and Omaha Steaks unite to recognize that sacrifice by rolling out the red carpet to treat these service members to a VIP weekend in Las Vegas, that is truly special.”
Andy Abboud (Senior VP of government relations for Las Vegas Sands Corp): ’œThis festive weekend is our small way of expressing gratitude to the men and women in the Armed Forces. We recognize that they’ve sacrificed immensely for the rest of us, and we want to thank them as best we can. Honoring our veterans is a fundamental value of our chairman Sheldon Adelson and our entire company.”
In the afternoon of their first day there were multiple activities for the troops and their families to enjoy. There was a poker tournament restricted to only wounded warriors. The prize for the two top winners was two round-trip tickets from Southwest Airlines and accommodations from the Palazzo/Venetian. Five cabanas were reserved for their exclusive use pool side with drinks and food provided.
Some of the wounded warriors who were able to make the epic trip. Photo by Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
In the evening a cocktail reception was followed by dinner at Lagasses’s Stadium. Talking to several of the wounded warriors during dinner that evening each told me in their own way that this is a day that they will always cherish. Each was extremely appreciative of the warm and support they had experienced throughout the day.
The following two days activities at the Palazzo were much like the first days with additional niceties added: a reserved Luxury Box at Lagasse’s Stadium, free Salon and Spa treatments at Canyon Ranch Spa, free tickets to Madame Tussauds and a Hiring Our Heroes Job Fair.
Thursday evening with warriors were treated to a cookout dinner on the Palazzo pool deck sponsored by Omaha Steaks and catered by the Venetian/Palazzo followed with free VIP tickets to TAO with a free sky box. TAO a high energy, DJ driven night club boasting a 40-foot-long outside terrace with stunning views of the Las Vegas Strip, gorgeous go-go dancers.
Friday the wounded warriors were treated to dinner at the Paiza Club. The Paiza Club is an ultra elite gambling area with its own bar and restaurant with stunning views of the city. A one million dollar credit line is required for guest to be invited to play at the Paiza Club. After dinner it was off to see a Blue Man Group performance.
Sadly, Saturday arrived and it was time to start thinking of the trip home. The send-off by the Venetian/Palazoo was just as impressive as it was for their welcome. Hundreds of Venetian/Palazzo employees and casino guests lined the way from the VIP lounge where the warriors assembled to leave to the waiting buses. Once more a police escort provided traffic control on the way to the airport. I noticed looking out the bus window that as the buses passed; the patrolmen were facing and rendering a hand salute to the passing bus caravan.
CPT Jeremy and Teresa Baggett sit on the special Southwest Flight. Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
On the flight to San Antonio, this is what CPT Jeremy and Teresa Baggett USA had to say about their experience:
’œFrom start to finish, the Armed Forces Foundation, Southwest Airlines and the Adelson’s made this trip something that the Wounded Warriors and their families will never forget. The attention to detail was evident in every aspect of the trip, and no expense was spared in making the Wounded Warriors feel appreciated. From the time we arrived at the San Antonio airport to depart until we deplaned in San Antonio, the Red Carpet was rolled out.
As the warriors and their families walked through the thousands of Las Vegas Sands employees waving American Flags and screaming ’œthank you’, many of us were moved to tears. The Adelson’s have obviously fostered a sense of pride and patriotism with the employees that are often unmatched in such a large company.
No expense was spared and the level of hospitality shown to the Wounded Warriors and their families was an experience that we will never forget. Although each Wounded Warrior’s path to recovery is unique, they are all filled with struggle. This trip allowed them to relax, de-stress and rejuvenate in ways that may never be experienced again. We were treated like true ’œHigh Rollers’, and will forever be grateful for it.
Staff of the Palazzo hotel welcome the wounded warriors. Harry Brown / AirlineReporter.com.
These men and women are phenomenal human beings, and as humble as they come. Spending time among these Wounded Warriors, and their guests has really encouraged me to take a step back and reflect on what truly matters, and using the hand you have been dealt to its fullest capabilities.
Southwest Airlines has a long history of supporting the men and women who fight for our Freedoms. They were named one of G.I. Jobs Top 100 Military Friendly Employers for 2010. Southwest Airlines also was recognized by the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) for their commitment and support of our National Guard and Reserve Employees. Southwest is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. I’d like to add a fourth ’“ Patriotism.
The AirTran Boeing 717s will go from their current livery to Delta's. We will not see one in Southwest livery. Image by Jeremy Dwyer-Lindren.
Yesterday, it was announced that Southwest Airlines will sublease all 88 of their Boeing 717 aircraft from their wholly owned subsidiary, AirTran, to Delta Air Lines. The tentative agreement would move the 717s from Southwest starting in the second half of 2013 and and be finished in 2015.
In September 2010, Southwest announced the purchase of AirTran and many have questioned what Southwest would do with the Boeing 717s, since they only operate a fleet of Boeing 737s.
“This is a very complex transaction that requires time and close coordination with multiple parties. While we do have a tentative agreement with Delta, final details must be completed with all parties before a binding agreement between Delta and Southwest can be completed,” said Mike Van de Ven, Southwest Airlines’ Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer.
Southwest plans to re-train 717 AirTran pilots to flying on the 737. All flight attendants and maintenance personal who work for AirTran are already trained on both aircraft types.
Before the move of aircraft can commence, Delta’s pilots will need to approve it. Already, the Master Executive Council (MEC) of the Delta Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) has given a tentative agreement and pilots will be able to review the change until June 30th.
Delta has stated that the Boeing 717s will be used to replace 50-seat regional jets. “These actions pave the way for us to restructure and upgauge our domestic fleet, which will lower our costs, provide more pilot jobs and improve the onboard experience for our customers,” said Delta CEO Richard Anderson. “The addition of the Boeing 717s, additional large regional jets and the planned replacement of 50-seat aircraft continue Delta’s commitment to operating an efficient, flexible domestic fleet that offers customers even more opportunities to upgrade to our First Class and Economy Comfort cabins.”
Since Delta already has a fleet of around 180 of the DC9/MD80 family of aircraft, it makes sense for them to be interested in taking on the Boeing 717, which is part of the same family.
Of course, the big question for many of us AvGeeks, is will we see a Boeing 717 in Southwest livery before they are handed over to Delta? Unfortunately we will not. “The 717s had not yet begun the retrofit process, so they will transition from AirTran livery to Delta,” Whitney Eichinger with Southwest Public Relations explained to AirlineReporter.com.
Although we may never see a Boeing 717 in Southwest livery in person, luckily there are people out there with great skills to give us an idea of what it would have looked like. I guess we can still be excited to see a 717 in Delta livery, but it won’t be too much different than their DC-9s or MD-80s.
Kigali International Airport in Rwanda
Unfortunately this post is very delayed. I had the opportunity to travel to Kigali, Rwanda back in August 2011 while taking a delivery flight for RwandAir’s first brand new airplane; a Boeing 737-800. Time went on and I never got this story posted, but I really want to share what it was like visiting Rwanda.
Most people, including myself, have some preconceived notions of what kind of place Rwanda is in the world. I think many define it either by the genocide of 1994 or the fact that it is an African country, so it must be hot, poor and not a place to visit. Let me tell you, my preconceived notions were very wrong and I cannot wait to return to Rwanda again. I hope sharing my experiences while visiting can help change your ideas of the country as well.
Kigali is located in central Rwanda. Rwanda is located in central Africa. Image from Google Maps.
Rwanda is a country with a population of around 11.7 million and is about the size of the state of Maryland. Farming is a large part of the population, where some people farm to make a living, and others are farming to feed their families.
Tourism is also a growing economic resource for the country. It was unbelievably easy to get from Kigali back home to Seattle. Even though I can easily have more than one stop flying across the US, I only had one stop in Amsterdam getting from Rwanda back to Seattle in about 24 hours. Took one non-stop KLM flight from KGL to AMS, then another non-stop Delta flight from AMS to SEA. Flying south to Johannesburg or north to Cairo also provides many other easy connections to the US.
Hà´tel des Mille Collines is the location where the movie "Hotel Rwanda" was based on. The hotel in the movie was actually filmed in South Africa. The genocide involved much more than just this hotel.
The Genocide
Let’s get talking about the negative part of Rwanda out of the way: the 1994 genocide. The chances are you have heard of this or gotten a pretty good idea at how horrid this was by watching the move Hotel Rwanda. Over 800,000 people were slaughtered, families ruined and a nation put in turmoil in only over 100 days. At that time, the country lost as much as 20% of their population, had a weak infrastructure and no power to most of the nation. During my five days in the country I couldn’t believe that this tragedy happened only 15 years ago. It is astounding how much the people of Rwanda have been able to work hard and try to move past a difficult recent history.
Quite simplly, the genocide is a very important part of the Rwandan history, but by no means defines who they are today. That is the old Rwanda that no longer exists and people around the world should not judge an entire nation and people by what happened so long ago.
Rwanda was much greener than I was expecting.
It is Green and Not That Hot
Who knew? I assumed since Rwanda is pretty much located on the equator and is in Africa, it would be hot, humid and brown. Turns out it is tepid, not humid and mostly green. Since Rwanda is at such a high altitude, even though it is near the equator, it stays relatively comfortable and consistent throughout the year. Since it has its rainy season (which is just starting), a good part of the country is lush with greenery. Part of the reason for the climate is Rwanda’s elevation. The lowest point in the country is 3,000 feet above sea level and the highest is almost at 15,000 feet at Mount Karisimbi.
The Genocide Museum is beyond powerful. Photos of those who were slaughtered is difficult to take in.
Visit Genocide Museum
I will warn you, that a visit to the Genocide Museum is extremely powerful. I would suggest doing it near the end of the day, since it will put you in a downer mood afterwards. It is not easy to get through, but you cannot get the true feeling of how bad the genocide was without it. The detailed stories, the unedited photos and skulls of some of those that died are beyond powerful.
It is still hard to really grasp what happened and how it has made an impact even after a visit to the museum. Even today, many citizens walk around with machetes (a common weapon used during the genocide), which are used to everyday labor, but they are still a reminder.
Even though difficult, make sure to give yourself enough time to go through the whole museum.
Even though Kigali is rapidly growing, access to international cash is not easy.
Bring Cash
There are only a few ATMs where you are able to withdraw money. If you plan to go to one, you will be welcomed by an armed guard with a large gun. They are plenty nice and all, but it would be easier to just make sure you bring some cash with you.
If you bring your own local currency, you can change it out at your hotel or the airport. Do not plan on using your credit cards very much — since most places will not accept them.
Kigali Serena Hotel -- not what I was expecting. It was a nice surprise.
Rwanda is Safe
During part of my visit I was escorted by locals, but I also had quite a bit of free time to wonder around on my own and pretty far away from my hotel. Being 6’1, 250lb white man, it was pretty obvious that I was from out of town. I never felt uncomfortable or unsafe, even while having my expensive camera with me.
It is worth the effort to get out of town and see how people live in rural Kigali.
Get Out of Town
To get the real experience, one needs to get out of town. You do not have to go far to see hundreds of people walking down the highway with food and goods on their heads. Many people still farm their own food for survival and make houses out of what they can find.
Luckily there weren't too many mosquitoes during my trip, but better to be safe than sorry.
Get Your Shots
Yellow Fever vaccines are required to enter Rwanda or to return to most other countries. I only had a week’s notice and had no problem getting it completed. Make sure to speak with your doctor, since they are probably going to recommend a whole set of shots and pills for you to take before departing to Rwanda. I opted for pretty much everything, since I didn’t want to ruin my trip. I had all sorts of food and never got sick, but I steered clear of any tap water or ice. I slowly kept eating more vegetables and fruit and never had any issues.
The streets and yards were amazingly clean walking around Kigali.
There is an Official Cleaning Day Once Per Month
Talk about clean. Every last Saturday of the month, Rwanda has a cleaning day where it is mandated that citizens and businesses stop what they are doing and spend the morning cleaning. Our RwandAir Boeing 737 actually arrived on cleaning day and everyone who came to the airport to participate had to show paperwork that they were allowed to be out and about and not clean.
This concept creates a strong sense of community and obviously keeps the country clean.
Twin baby Gorillas with their mother. Photo from Pat Adams.
Go See Some Gorillas
Unfortunately I was not able to do this, but a few of the people I was with had the opportunity to go trek out into the woods and check out Gorillas. You need to plan way in advance and it can be quite costly, but you cannot beat being only a few feet away from one of nature’s most amazing animals.
It was surreal being at the real "Hotel Rwanda."
The Real Hotel Rwanda Means Something Different to Us
I was invited to go to the real Hotel Rwanda, that is really called Hà´tel des Mille Collines, and I was a bit freaked out. We weren’t going to check out the hotel, but to go to a dance club in the basement. Dance clubs are not really my scene, but I had to check this out — why would they put such a happy, fun thing into a place with such a troubled past. Well, it is because of my American perspective.
RwandAir, Boeing and Media at Republika Lounge in Kigali.
There is Some Amazing Food
Not all the food I tried was something I would want to try again, but I have to say it was unique. But most of the food that I ate was amazing. We were able to make it to the Republika Lounge in Kigali twice and one of the most interesting things was banana wine. Not exactly what one might think, but still a good drink.
Motor bike taxis are all over the place and very cheap. You are taking a risk. You can also walk; many citizens do.
Taxi, Motorbikes or Your Feet
How much guts do you have? How much money do you have? If you have a lot of guts and not much money, taking a motorcycle taxi is for you. These are pretty much dirt cheap and consist of you riding on the back of a person’s dirt bike to your destination. It can get a little scary weaving in and out of cars, when it is raining, while it is dark. I am one that doesn’t have that much guts, so for a bit more there are quite a few taxi’s located around Kigali. There is also a bus system, mostly consisting of vans, but they are very crowded and I would suggest avoiding them if possible.
If you want to try a full local experience, then just walk. It didn’t matter where we went or how far away we were from any structures, there were people walking everywhere. Either business people walking to lunch to people with water jugs on their heads going home. A sidewalk is not required. Many of the citizens have no form of transportation and would carry furniture, food and much more miles from town to their homes.
Kigali offers many flights to other African destinations.
Springboard into Africa
Kigali is a great place to start an African adventure. Pretty centralized, there are flights from Air Burundi, Air Uganda, Ethiopian Airlines, Kenya Airways, South African Airways and of course RwandAir that can take you to many destinations inside Africa. Not to mention Brussels, KLM, Qatar and Turkish which can take you out of Africa.
See all 101 Photos of Rwanda From My Trip
RWANDAIR BOEING 737-700 DELIVERY FLIGHT
Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Video | 737 Photos | Rwanda Photos | Destination Story | All
Chris Sloan (on the right) gets his Boeing 747 book signed by Joe Sutter (father of the 747) during the recent Lufthansa 747-8I Delivery.
I first met Chris Sloan during ANA’s delivery celebration of their first 787 Dreamliner. However, I already knew his name. I had previously seen his work in Airways Magazine and I knew of his site Airchive.com, although I didn’t realize he was the man behind it. We have quickly bonded over airlines and enjoy sharing our unique stories with each other.
When it comes to airline collections, there is no question that Chris has me beat. He has so many airline collectables it blows the mind. Luckily he has spent a great deal of effort to share his collection with the rest of the world. I wanted to learn a bit more about him and his website. Here is our interview:
An old United Airlines Boeing 747-100 and 747SP at Ardmore Graveyard. Photo by Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AirlineReporter.com (AR): What is Airchive.com?
Chris Sloan (CS): Airchive.com is what I call an online ’œwebseum of commercial aviation’. I strive to be different from other sites out there that do pure plane-spotting, breaking news, and travel reviews so well. We are basically an online museum of commercial aviation with some contemporary twists:
We curate timetable, route maps, airline and manufacturer memorabilia of 1000s of airlines going back to the 1920s to the present. We really try to write a historic perspective of the history of an airline or aircraft model through it’s memorabilia and route maps.
Another thing that sets us apart is our focus on airports. Lots of attention, and rightly so, is directed to plane spotting which Airchive.com does but we feature virtual in-depth photographic tours and background info on airports around the world. We are as interested in the terminals as we are what’s on the ramp. Likewise, these virtual tours extend to aviation museums with slide-shows that transport the user there virtually. One of our most popular sections are rare photographic behind the scenes tours of airplane manufacturers such as Boeing and Airbus
Other unique features include detailed galleries on airliner cabins, scrapped airliners, airline models (including cutaways), and aviation firsts such as trip accounts of the inaugurals of the Airbus A380, Boeing 787 Dreamliner, and the upcoming Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Inaugural.
An image from the Boeing SST 2707 brochure from 1966. Chris Sloan / Airchive.com
AR: Why did you start it?
CS: I started the site back in 2003 as a way to give back to the commercial aviation community and share my massive collection as others had done online in person. It has turned into a passion project which has allowed me to meet many other folks of similar passion and undertake unique experiences. Also, at this time, the airline industry was engaged in the nadir of it’s turmoil following 9/11 and running up to the Gulf War II, so I wanted to remind the flying public and airline staff just what an incredible industry they have. I now try to tweet @airchive relevant items everyday to provide a historical or different take on what is in the airline zeitgeist.
1955 Boeing 707 Intro Brochure. Image from Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AR: When did you get into collecting airline memorabilia?
CS: I began collecting at the age of 6 years old. I would visit airports and city ticket office’s back then when those existed, and pester airline reservation agents to mail me timetables, route maps, safety cards, whatever. I’d also inhabit my favorite airports snapping off photos. It’s a life-long passion but I frustrated that I didn’t have anyone to share it with. At this point, my model collection numbers over 300 including gigantic 747, DC-10, and Concorde cutaways; 10,000 timetables, brochures, airline seats, service items, even a desk made from the wing of the Lockheed L1011 prototype. I am not in this for the money. In fact, to borrow an old stock market adage ’œI buy and hold.’ I have never sold anything, though have donated and loaned items to other museums.
As I have grown older running my own TV production company which leads to extensive travel ’“ this only increases my enthusiasm for this fascinating industry. One cool thing is I have combined some business with pleasure such as overseeing the John Travolta hosted documentary on the building of the Airbus A380, back when I ran production at TLC, and now creating and executive producing a reality series called ’œAirport 24/7: Miami’ which is an unprecedented behind the scenes look at all the goings on at Miami International Airport. It’s a compelling, eye opening show for enthusiasts and non-enthusiasts alike. It will premiere later in the Summer on Travel Channel.
Cutaway of a Pan Am Boeing 377 Stratocruiser. Image from Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AR: Have you ever thought of starting some in-person museum?
CS: This is a long-term goal, or if I win the lottery a short-term goal, to either start my own or collaborate with others of like-minded interest. My ’œdreamseum’ would be a cross between LAX’s Flightpath Museum and the Delta Airlines Heritage Center and American’s C.R. Smith Museum. It would cover a broad swath of airlines like Flightpath but with the depth and actual aircraft of C.R. Smith and Delta Heritage. As a passionate Miamian, I would like it to have a South Florida focus on Pan Am, National, and Eastern.
I have taken part in public displays where I loaned materials out. There was a Museum of Modern Art (MOMA) Exhibit at the former TWA Terminal T5 @ JFK a few years back, but unfortunately about $5000 of my collection was stolen and never recovered so I am much more careful these days. Who would’ve thought MOMA didn’t carry insurance.
AR: What is your favorite piece you have on the site?
CS: Hard to say, so I will list some of my favorites:
* Boeing brochure for the 2707 SST
* The original US Air Force presentation for Air Force One
* Anything and everything involving my favorite airlines: Delta, Pan Am, Continental, Braniff, and National
* Complete timetable collections for major U.S. airlines going back to their histories
* My young son has come now has the bug. In fact, he is named after artist Alexander Calder who designed the Flying Colors Boeing 727 for Braniff. I have an autographed poster from Calder.
A special Qantas Airbus A380 model given to Jon Travolta. Photo by Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AR: What has been your favorite airline related experiences?
CS: Shooting with John Travolta the A380 doc was incredible. Such a gracious man and an enthusiast extraordinaire. As a reward, we all went up in an Airbus A-320 chartered for the shoot, and he took the controls. It has also been exciting being a part of three inaugurals and deliveries including the Airbus A380, Boeing 787 Dreamliner and the Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental.
Meeting the Father of the Boeing 747, Mr. Joe Sutter at the Lufthansa Boeing 747-8 Intercontinental Delivery. Spunky, Pugnacious, and Outspoken’¦
Eastern Air Lines Douglas DC-7B at Opa Locka - August, 2010. Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
Chartering the world’s only flying passenger DC-7 for a company party high over Miami. We buzzed the beach at 1,000 feet. Travolta and his daughter came on one of our flights from Miami to Key West where Pan Am was founded. Countless private ramp tours of LAX, Miami, and Mojave. These are hard to get and very gratifying, especially when friends and family have joined in awe as an A380 lands 100 feet away.
Flying the jump-seat from LAX to Hong Kong on a Boeing 747-400 back in 1999. Visiting the not open to the public Boeing Archives. The Airline Reporter has been there too, so you know how awesome it is.
Photographing the Boeing and Airbus Factories and Customer Delivery Centers and flying a CRJ-200 sim through moderate to serve turbulence, with the radar painting read, and trying not to throw up!
Being on the inaugural of the Virgin America service to Florida with my idol, Richard Branson.
Producing our Travel Channel Series about the Miami International Airport. We actually created an airborne parade of a DC-7 and DC-3 which proceeded the Lufthansa A380 landing in Miami for the first time. And of course, all the international travel such as flying into Hong Kong Kai-Tak during its last days.
A very rare 1973 vintage factory DC-10 cutaway. Image from Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AR: How many airline models do you have?
CS: 100’s literally but the pride and joy are 3 restored cutaways: 1 of 3 Douglas DC-10 Prototypes made for the factory back in the 1960s to demo the airplane. Also a Concorde cutaway that used to apparently be in the lobby at the Bristol Fulton Factory. It was in found in the attic of the interior designer of the Concorde, after 20 years.
I also have a 7 foot long 1974 circa TWA Boeing 747 restored over 3 years to its original condition and an original Boeing 747 prototype cutaway circa 1969
AR: What is Airchive.com’s relationship with Airways?
CS: I have been an avid reader of ’œAirways’ since it began publishing. In fact, I deserted commercial aviation for many years until 1994 when I picked up one of their first issues in an airport newsstand. I was immediately infected again by the bug. I still eagerly await my issue each month like every other enthusiastic subscriber. We have a strong cross-promotion and content-sharing relationship. As well, I am a frequent contributor to this excellent publication as it really speaks to my passion.
1965 "End of the Plain Plane" ad campaign for Braniff. Image from Chris Sloan / Airchive.com.
AR: What do you want to add?
CS: I view Airchive.com as pure passion. It takes a lot of time and money, frankly but it is a passion. It has been so much fun, particularly getting my sons interested in this field and meeting so many interesting, like-minded people. I get a lot of gratitude when people write from around the world how much the site inspires them or takes them back to memories they had in the business. When someone says ’œI got lost for hours on Airchive’, that is the greatest compliment. I am adding features to allow more contributors as many wonderful folks send me items and photographs. As my children get older and business obligations grow, it gets harder to do this on your own. So I welcome anyone who wants to get involved and collaborate. We’re all stronger together then apart.
The Boeing 247D and a 787 Dreamliner are almost nose to nose. About 80 years separate these two airliners. How similar, yet different they are from each other.
The Paine Field Aviation Day this year was bigger and better than ever. More planes, more options, more access and the sunny day doesn’t hurt either. The even was divided into two events, one on the west side of the field by the Historic Flight Foundation and the other on the east side by the Flying Heritage Collection. There were shuttles that would quickly take guests to either their parking lot or the other side of the field.
Boeing pulled one of their new 777-200LRs going to Air Austral into a location where guests could get up close and personal.
A P-47D Thunderbolt, belonging to the Flying Heritage Collection, returns after flying.
Hawker Hurricane Mk.XIIA and Republic P-47D Thunderbolt flying over Paine Field.
A Grumman F7F Tigercat, called Bad Kitty, returns from a flight, as a Cargolux Boeing 747-8F spools up for take off. You have to love Paine Field.
Come for the war birds. Stick around to watch the new Boeing 747-8F take off. Why not?
it is plane porn, watching Bad Kitty raise her wings.
How can you not love Paine Field when you are watching classic war birds flying in the sky and they take a break to let a brand new Boeing 747-8F take off? A big cheers to all those who worked hard and volunteered their time to make this year’s event bigger and better than ever. Can’t wait until next year!
CHECK ALL 40 OF MY PHOTOS FROM THE PAINE FIELD AVIATION DAY 2012
